Register control device for web printing machines



W. F. HUCK April 17, 1951 REGISTER CONTROL DEVICE FOR WEB PRINTING MACHINES 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 16, 1945 INVENTOR m ATTO R N EY W. F. HUCK April 17, 1951 REGISTER CONTROL-DEVICE FOR WEB PRINTING MACHINES 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 16, 1945 INVENTOR E N R O T T A W. F. HUCK REGISTER CONTROL DEVICE FOR WEB PRINTING MACHINES April 17, 1951 8 Sheets-$heet 5 gall/111111111 iNVENTOR ATTORNEY W. F. HUCK April 17, 1951 REGISTER CONTROL DEVICE FOR WEB PRINTING MACHINES 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 16, 1945 INVENTOR ATTO R N EY W. F. HUCK April 17, 1951 REGISTER CONTROL. DEVICE FOR WEB PRINTING MACHINES- 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 16, 1945 I 5 WW W. F. HUCK April 17, 1951 REGISTER CONTROL DEVICE FOR WEB PRINTING MACHINES 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 16, 1945 INVENTOR ATTORNEY w. F. HUCK 2,549,605

REGISTER CONTROL DEVICE FOR WEB PRINTING MACHINES April 17, 1951 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed April 16, 1945 INVENTOR M@ "Z M ATTIC RN EY w. F. HUCK 2,549,605

REGISTER CONTROL DEVICE FOR WEB PRINTING MACHINES April 17, 1951 8 She ets-Sheet 8 Filed April 16, 1945 INVENTOR ATT NEY .that may operate simultaneously with Patented Apr. 17, 1 951 REGISTER CONTROL DEVICE FOR WEB PRINTING MACHINES William F. Huck, Forest Hills, 131. 1, assignor as R. Hoe & 00., Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 16, 1945, Serial No.'588,438

" 9 Claims. (01. 101-181) This invention relates to web and register control j mechanism for multi-color Web printing machines and more specifically, to a method and means for varying tensionon a web both longitudinally and transversely in order to improve register.

Multi-color web printin machines, especially those arranged for either lithographic or intaglio printing usually comprise a plurality of printing units positioned in a line with each printing unit'arranged to successively print a different color. In alithographic oilset machine operating on newsprint or similar paper, each printing unit adds moisture to the web, and the accumulation of moisture causes the web to expand longitudinally and transversely as it passes through the machine. In the case of an intaglio printing machine, a heater is provided to dry the web after each color is printed, and thus as the web passes through the machine it becomes dryer and shrinks longitudinally and transversely as each color is printed.

Heretofore lateralregister control for multicolor web printing machines has usually been accomplished by mechanism which shifts each printing cylinder axially, and mechanism for shifting compensatin rollers, or mechanism for advancing or retarding each printing cylinder with respect to other cylinders, usually employed to control longitudinal register. Since the dimensions of a Web change in passing through a printing machine, due to either loss or acquisition of moisture, it is apparent that accurate register control can not be obtained by simplyprovide a new and improved method, and means of web control whereby the spacing between likepoints in impressions printed on the web are maintained constant by variabl stretching the paper or other material as it passesthrough a printing machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in thecase of an offset press, a means for progressively decreasing the transverse tension applied to a web. 1

Another object of the invention is;to provide, in the case of apresshaving heaters, of a means for progressively increasing the transverse tension applied to a web.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved web stretching mechanism, a means for register control.

fa preferred embodiment 10f the invention 2' is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein: V

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic elevational view,

showing a conventional form of longitudinal register control in combination with one form of longitudinal web tensioning control as applied to a web offset press;

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are sections takenalong the line 2-2 of Figure 1, andshowing various positions assumed by the mechanism;

Figures 3a 3b and-3care sections taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 1, also showing various positions assumed by the mechanism;

Figure 4 is a schematic electrical gitudinal web control mechanism shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic plan shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5a is a section, taken on the line Ea -5a of Figure 5 and showing means for supporting scanning heads shown in that figure; I

Figures 6a to 61' diagrammatically show difierent transverse positions assumed by a web as it, passes through the printing machine of Figure 5;

Figure '7 is a plan view of a web spreader device;

Figures is an elevational view of the mechagram showing a means for controlling the transverse register and web control mechanism shown 7 in Figure 5;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the longitudinal register and Webcontrol mechanism, as-applied to an intaglio web print: ing machine;

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 5, show ing the transverse register and Webcontrol mechanism as applied to the intaglio Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 to 10: showthe applicants invention, as applied .to' a multi-color offset lithographic web printing machine having a web supply mechanism l6 for supplying a web W to a plurality of printing units I1, [8,: l'9,'and 20. The web W from the-web supply mechanism is led over a plurality of guide rollers 22, a floating roller 23, a driven guide roller and thence successively through the four wiring diagram showing a means for controlling the lon-Q view, partly broken away, showing a transverse register' con trol in combination with a transverse web ,tensiom'ng control as applied to the web offset pressprinting 1 printing units where it is perfected in four colors. From the last printing unit, the web W is led to a pair of cooperating web propelling rollers 26 and thence to a former 21 and a folder 28. The printing machine herein shown is of conventional construction and is well known in the art, therefore, it is thought that the brief disclosure herein made will be sufiicient.

The web supply mechanism 16 (Figure 1) comprises a web roll 29 rotatably supported on an axis 3|, a web tensioning mechanism 32 havin endless belts 33 under control of a motor 34 and a pair of more tension and less tension switches 36 and 31 respectively, that are-con- Y trolled by the floating roller Z-S positioned-in aloop in the web W. An L-shaped lever 38, that carries the floating roller on one of itsarmsandg which operates the switches 36 and 31 with the,

other arm, is biased by a tensionin spring 39:

A motor 4| operated by a reversing contactor 42' has. a-bevel gear 43 arranged to drive a operating bevel gear 44, the hub of which isinternally threaded to fit a longitudinally movablescrew 46, secured to an end of the spring 39. Operating the motor M in one direction, increases the tension on the spring, whileop-- erating the motor in the othendirection decreases thetension. The reversing starter, and thus'the motor 4! are fed from' an electric service conduit 41' which has branches to supplyelectric power to all of'the electrically operated-mechanism.

The individual printing units l1, l8, l9 and are" arrangedto perfect the web W in aplur'ality of colors, by sequentially printingitin- Each yellow; blue, red, and black onboth sides. printing unit I1, l8, l9, and 20 includes two-sets of cylinders, one set for operating on each side of-the web and each pair of cylinders includes a printing or blanket cylinder 48 and a plate cylinder' 49-. It will be understood that all of the cylinders, are driven from the main printingmachine-drive in" a manner Well known in the art.

As'shown, the'propelling roller 26 is driven from the main printing machine drive through an adjustable slip clutch 5i and a pair of cooperating bevel gears 52. The slipclutch device is adjusted by a reversible motor 53, connected to the electric service conduit 4! through a reversing contactor 54, and the motor is provided with'agear reduction 55. Rotating the motor 53 in one direction rotates a worm 56 carried on the shaft of the motor'and adjusts a seemental gear 51 in one direction to increase'the eifect of the clutch and thus to increase the pull on the webs produced by the propelling roller 26, while operating the motor in the other direction decreases the pull thereof.

In accordance with known practice the first, or yellow printing 'unit H, prints a succession of register marks 58-on both sides of theweb. Preferably these marks, used for longitudinal registration of the web, will be printed in the centermargin thereof, and may be about onehalf an inch /2 long in a direction transverse to the direction of web travel and about two one-hundredths of an inch (0.02) in the direction of web travel; For convenience of-- illustration, the four-printing unitsare shown spaced equi-distantly, however it will be understood that any conventional spacing may be used. Also thenurnber of register marks printed by each revolution of the cylinder may vary, but for convenience, the herein illustrated machine shows four register marks printed per cylinder revotor 'Iicarries a worm l3;which engages and.

lution. A viewing or scanning head 59, having an illuminating device, or lamp 6| connected to the electric conduit 41, and having a light sensitive cell 62 connected to an impulse compensator or mixer panel 63 is associated with each upper and lower blue, red, and black printing cylinder 48. One of the, scanning heads views each side of the web just before it contacts the printing cylinders.

Although shown associated with only the upper. plate Cylinder 49, it will be understood that eachplate cylinder of the blue, red and black printing units l8, l9, and 29 respectively is equipped with ascanning device 55, having a slotted scanning-ring Ell with a plurality of slits 56 equal in number to the number of register marksprinted on the web. As the ring 64 rotates, an illuminating device or lamp 6'1, located inside-thereof intermittently illuminates a light sensitive cell 68 located outside of the ring. Each lamp 61 is connectedto. the electric service conduiti'i' whereas'each light sensitive device 63 is connectedto the mixer panel 53'.

A .means for adjusting longitudinal, register is. provided and: as;herein embodiedincludes a means for circumferentially adjusting the plate cylinders, but. it will be understood that: compensating rollers. maybe used" inyplace of the. cylinder adjustment herein shown. Although shown associated with only the lower plate cylinders t9 (Figure l) itfwill be understood that eachplate. cylinder of the blue, red and black printing units i8, i9, and 20 respectively is provided with; an adjustable drive gear as operated by a rev'ersingmotor l! and, a reversing contactor 12,-. for circumferentially, adjusting the plate cylinders-inorder to correctxlongitudinal register ina known manner. A shaft of the mo drives a wormwheel 14 that carries three planetary pinions I6. Thepinions 'Hiare in mesh with a sun gear 11 mounted on the shaft of the plate cylinder 49, and are also in, mesh with, an internally toothedrotatably mounted ring gearv l8. During normal operation, the plate cylinder 49 will be. driven at printing speedlby a means not shown. This, will cause the sun gear 1'? to rotate the planetary pinions l5 and the ring gear 18 willbe driven by the planetary gears. The worm wheel M, which carries the three pinions T6 will;be stationary under normal conditions, being held by the worm it. If the scanning head 59 and the scanning device 65, indicate to the mixer panel 63 that the web will be out of register when printed by the next printing cylinders, the mixer panel will operate the contactor and the motor H to circumferentially adjust the plate cylinder the required amount to effect proper longitudinal register.

The foregoing description is primarily concerned with a known register control means for shifting the printing cylinders circumferentially to improve longitudinal register. The following description of other mechanism associated with the offset press'shown in Figure 1 will deal with mechanism for further improving longitudinal register byholding the web under such tension longitudinally an-dtransversely as may be re quired-to' maintainthe dimensions of the web constant while passing through the machine, regardless of the amount of moisture it may absor while being printed.

A viewing or scanning head 8! located between the printing unit it and the folder 23 (Figure 1), has a lamp t2 connectedto the power'conduit 4'|, and a light sensitive cell 83 connected to a master controlpanel 84. The scanning head I 8| views register marks 58 printed on the under side of theweb asthey pass a point 86 between the last printing unit 20 and the rollers 26. This.

impressions printedon the web between a point 8] where the yellow'printing cylinder prints the registermarks 58 and the point 86 where the scanning head 8| views the marks. a r

' It will be understood that the register marks 58, printed by the first or yellow printing unit I I} are spaced at equal distances apart and in orderto obtain this arrangement, an equal number of registeifm'arks are printed by each revolution'of the printing cylinders. A mechanism timed with the register marks printed by the unit I l is provided, and as herein embodied comat a speed equal to the number-of register marks printed per cylinder revolutiorrf As previously stated, four registermarks are printed per revolution of the plate cylinder, and hence the discs 88 and 89 are driven four-times as fast as theplate cylinder 49. The insulated discs 88 and 89 as shown in Figure 4' each carry electrical con- I ducting segments 93 and 94 respectively covering approximately 90 degrees of the circumference of the disc. The segment 93 connects a brush 96 with a brush'91 and the segment 94 connects a brush 98 with-a brush 89, once during each revolution of the discs. It will be noted that the brush '96 is positioned somewhat more than 45 degrees from the brushes 91 and 98, and that brush 99 is spaced from the brushes 9'! and 98 by an angle somewhat greater than 45 degrees.

' The timing discs are adjustably mounted and are initially set so they are both in open circuitposition as shown in Figures 2a and-3a when no longitudinal correction of the web is necessary.

' Figure 4 shows an elementary electrical dia- 6 relay having switches I04 and I06. The reversing contactors 42 "and 54 would then operate the motors 4| and 53 respectively, to apply more tension to stretch the web to its normal length.

In the event that the web stretches, the register mark 58 will be viewed by the scanning device 8| when the discs are in the positions shown in Figures 20 and 30, before the instant at which both the discs 88 and 89 are open circuited. The

segment 93 then connects the brush 96 to the brush 91 and establishes a circuit through a solegram for controlling the two reversing controllers 42 and 54 and thus the two motors 4| and 53. Light from the illuminating device 82 is refiected from the web W to the light sensitive cell 83 and as each of the register marks 58 passes,

the amount of light reachingthe light sensitive cell 83 is momentarily decreased. The impulse thus created is amplified by a vacum tube IlJI, which in turn fires a thyratron or other gas filled tube |92 when either pair of brushes 96-91 or 98--99 isbridged by the segments 93 or 94 re-' spectively, at the instant that the register mark passes by the light sensitive cell 83. When the .l'ength'of web between the'point' 81, printed. by

the yellow printing unit, and the point 86 viewed by the scanningdevices 8| is normal, the gasfilled tube I92 cannot fire because the circuits the scanning device 8| at the instant that both the circuits are open, but will be viewed afterthe noid III! of a second time delay relay having switches I98 and I119. The closing of switches I08 and I89 would operate the reversing contactors 42 and 54, and the motors 4| and 53, to apply less tension to the web so that it will assume the desired normal length.

It will be understood I anism time dwith the register marks at the first printing unit can be .used in place of the pair of discs 88 and 89. For example a scanning head similar to the scanning head 8| can be arranged to view the register marks immediately following their printing by the first printing unit I'|.

Manually operated switches II I and I I2 are provided in the circuits of the solenoids of the reversing contactor 42 and 54 respectively.

Opening'either the switch m or n2 prevents the contact-ors 42 or 54 and thus motors 4| or 53 from operating. This makes it possible to regulate either or both of the web tensioning means 28 and 32 as desired. It will be noted that the mechanism herein described is not arranged to maintain a constant tension on the web, but acts to maintain a constant dimension in' the lengthof the printed web between like points in spaced impressions, as for example at p'oints86 and 81. I

In addition to the register marks 58', previously described, the yellow unit prints a row of registermarks ||6 (Figure 5) in the right hand margin of the web and a second row of register marks II! in the left hand margin of one side of the web W. These marks H6 and III, are used for transverse or side register web control and maybe about two inches (2?!) long in the direction of the web travel and about one-half an inch /2") wide in a directiontransverse to the direction of web travel.

Each of the blue, red, and black printing units I8, I9 and 20 has associated therewith right and left viewing or scanning heads 8 and 9 respectively for viewing the two rows of marks I I5 and II! just before the web enters each printing cells I26 and IZ'Iare focused on opposite sides I more fully described hereinafter are received by timing discs 88 and 89 haveadvanced to'the position shown in Figures 2band' 3b. In this position the segment 94 connects brush 98 to the brush 99 establishing a circuitthrough the thyra.-

each set of light sensitive cells I22, I23, and I26 and I21. The scanning heads H8 and H9 are both carried on a support I25 that may be moved transversely of the web by means of a yoke I4 I The various indications received by each set of light sensitive cells are transmitted by means of circuits I28 and I29, having flexible portions I35, to a mixer control panel |3| that receives a that an suitable mech-' source of electricipjower fromthe; conduit 41. Eachpanel I3I operates avreversing contactor I32 andn pair of electrically controlled angularly disposedweb-spreading devices I33 and I34 10- oatedat the right and left of the web respectively. V

The contactor I32 which'is connected to the source ofpowerby the circuit 41, controls'a motor I36, having a gear reduction I31 and a threaded output shaft I38. yoke. I 4 I, is adjustably screw threaded to the shaft I38. The heaviest end of'the yoke I4I engages a double-flange; collar; I44 secured, to a shaft I 46 of theplate cylinder.;419, whereas the lighter end of thewyoke I4I is secured to the support I25; Qperating the =motor,-I36;in a forward or reverse direction shifts the yoke MI and moves the cylinder; axially to adjust side register. This also causes the scanning heads [I8 and H9 to move transversely of the web to follow the movement of the cylinder.

Inadditicn to the web spreading devices I33 and I34, a double pair of manually adjusted web spreading devices I41 are arranged to transversely spread the web just before it enters the first oryellow printing unit I1. By properly adjusting these four spreaders manually the web will be stretched to a width equal to the width it will assume due to the acquisition of moisture from the printing cylinders.

As the web expands due tothe acquisition of moisture the web spreading devices I33 and I34 before each of the, blue, red and black printing cylinders will automatically apply less and less,

transverse pullto the web. Thus, the web after itleaves the black printing unit 20 will, without the aid of any spreaderrollers, be the same width as the unprinted web was when it enteredv the yellowprinting unit I1. 7

The web spreading devices I33 and I34 (Figures '7 and 8) each have paired cooperating rollers I48 and I49 of approximately frustro-conical form, one located above and one below the web W. The plane in which the rollers rotate as seen in Figure 5, is at an angle to the edge of the web with the result that each pair of rollers applies a side pull tothe runningweb. I

Each web spreading device has a bracket II (Figures '7 and 8) which may be secured to convenient portion ofthe printing machine frame (not shown). -An upper L-shaped arm I52, carrying the upper roller I48'is hinged to a lower arm IE3 at I54. The lower L-shaped arm I53 is secured to the'bracket I5I by a bolt I56. arm is provided with a hole I51 throughwhich extends oneend of anaxle I 58 having ashoulder I59 abutting the arm. A nut I6I screw threaded to the axle secures it to the arm. Each axle carries'an anti-friction device or ball bearing I62, the inner race of which is secured thereto by a nut I63. The outer raceof each bearing carries one of the rollers I48 or I48 which is secured thereto by a snap ring I64, A bracket I66 secured to the bracket I5I extends through a hole I61 -in each-of the arms I52 and I53, and by means ofa pin I68 provides a fulcrum for a lever I69, one end A nut- I39, carried by the;

Each

ofwhieh is secured to the upper arm I52 through V a pin m, a link I12,a m I13 and a bracket m.

The other end of the lever I69 is pivoted to the,

is secured to a bracket I19 that in turn is secured.

to the bracket I5 I. The upper end of theplunger I16 is-positioned'close to apole piece I8I located internally of the solenoid-,athuspermitting the plunger a limited vertical movement. When the solenoid I11, is energized the plunger moves upward against the spring I18 and raises theend of the lever I69 causing increased pressure of the upper roller against the web W and the lower roller I49.

roller I48 againstthe web'is decreased.

The web spreaders I41 (Figure 5) may be duplie cates of the spreader I33 and I34 except that the solenoid I11, the tension spring 118, the bracket I19, and plunger I16 are replaced by a threaded adjusting stem I82 (Figure 9) having a knurled handle I83 screwed into a bracket I85 for increasing or decreasing the pressure of a compression spring I34 against the lower side of a lever I69a, analogous tov the levers I69, for manually adjusting the pressure applied to the web W by the rollers I48 and I49. The stem I82 has an unthreaded end I86 that passes through the spring I84 and a hole I81 in the arm I69a, the arrangement being such that spring pressure and the bite of the roller on the web can be completely released.

Figures 6a to 62 diagrammatically show the instantaneous positions taken by the web W and the register marks II6 and H1, and also show the illumination reflected to the four light sensitive devices I22, I23, I26 and I21 at the instant after the web has shifted, expanded or shrunk sidewise. These indications as hereinbefore described are transmitted to the mixer control panel I3I and there open andclose a'plurality of solenoid operated switches hereinafter described,-

which in turn control the contactor I32; the motor I36, and the web spreading devices I33 and I34.

Specifically Figure 6a shows the web W prop-- erly registered. The cells,I22 and I23, and the cells I23 and I21, receive equal amounts of reflected light, and thus the motor I36 and the web spreadingdevices I33 and I34 will remain unadjusted. V

Figure 6b shows the whole web W shifted to the left, the-cells I21 and I23 being darkened while the cells I26 and I22 receive increased illumination. This causes themotor I36'to shift the plate cylinder 49 and the scanning heads H8 and H9 to the left to follow the shifted web.

Figure 6c shows the whole Web'W shifted to the right with the cells I26 and I22 darkened while the cells I21 and I23 receive increased illumination. This causes the motor I36 to shift the plate cylinder and the scanning heads H8 and I I8 to the right to follow the shifted web.

Figure 6d shows the web stretched toward the right; with the cell I23 receiving increased illumination while the cell I22 is darkened and the illumination received by'the cells I21 and I26 is not changed. This causes the pull of the right web spreaderI-33 to be decreased.

Figure 6e shows the web stretched toward the left with the cell I23 receiving increased 'illumination and the cell I21 darkened. This causes the pull of the left web spreader I34-.-t0-be=decreased. Figure-6f shows theweb shrunk at the left with the cell. I21: receiving increased'illumination and thecell I26 darkened. This causes the pullof theleft spreader I34-to be increased.

. Figureog shows the-web shrunk at the right with the cell'I 22 receivingincreased illumination and the cell I23 darkened. This-causes the pull of the right spreaderroller I33;tobe;increased. Figure Bhshows theiweb Sh'I nK'at'bOth sides When the current passing through the solenoid I11 is decreased, the pressureof the illumination and the cells I23 and I26 darkened. This causes the pull of both spreaders I33 and I34 to be increased. 1 s

Figure 6i shows the Web to be stretched at both sides with the cells I22 and I21 darkened and the cells I23 and I26 receiving increased illumination. This causes the pull on both spreaders I33 and I34 to be decreased. I

Figure 10 illustrates, by means of a schematic electrical Wiring diagram, a means by which the light sensitive cells I22, I23, I26 and I21, control the web spreaders I33, I34 and the reversing contactor I32. In addition to devices hereinbefore mentioned, this equipment includes resistors 20I and 202 associated with, the cells I22 and I23 respectively, and resistors 203 and. 204 associated with the cells I26 and I21 respectively. A vacuum tube 206 is connected in series with a parallel-circuit containing solenoids 205 and 208, the latter being arranged forclosinganormally openswitch 2II. Ayacuum, tube' 201v is;con-,

with the cells I2 nd I21 receiving increased tubes 2I1 .and 2 I6 become less negative and more negative, respectively. This increases the current through the solenoid of the spreader roller I34 and thus increasesthe side pull on the side of the web. In like manner the cells I22 and I23 control the solenoid of the spreader roller I33.

If the whole web W shifts to the left (see Figure 6b) the currents in the solenoids 209 and 2 I8 are increased to such an extent thatthe switches 212 and 22! will close to energize the solenoid 234 of the reversing contactor I32. This causes the form cylinder and the scanning heads H8 and H9 to be shifted to the left as hereinbefore described. In like manner a shifting of the whole web Wtothe right (Figure 60) causes a closing of the switches 2H and 222 energizing the solenoid 2 36 and moving the form cylinder and the scanning heads to the right. As soon as the cylinders and scanning heads have moved sufficiently to compensate, for the change in the web,

. the" light reflected tojthe scanning heads will be nected in series with a solenoid 209 for closing a normally open switch 2I2. A vacuum tube 2I5 is connected in series with aparallel circuit con taining .solenoids 2I5 and 2I8 the latter being arranged for closing a switch 22I. A vacuum tube 2I1 is connected iri series with a solenoid 2I9 1 for closing a normally open switch 222. The grids 223 of the four tubes, 206, 201, 2I3 and M1 are controlled by the four cells I23, I22, I26-'and I21 respectively, Whereas the hereinbefore mentioned four series circuits are short circuited by resistors 226, 221, 229 and 228 respectively. The solenoids I11 of the web spreaders I33 and I34 are each connected in series with a rectifier 23I and the series circuit thus created is connected in parallel with resistors 226 and 229 respectively. 1 v

The four light sensitive cells are energized from a direct current source 232 whereas the four vacuum tubes, the web spreader solenoids, and the reversingcontactor I32 are energized from an alternating current source 233. The switches 2| I and 222 are connected-in series With an oper' ating solenoid 236, whereas the switches 2I2 and 22I are connected in series with an operating solenoid 234 of the reversing contactor I32.

It will be apparent that the tube-resistor combinations 201221- and. 2I1228 are in series relationship with the solenoids I11 of the spreaders I33 and I34 respectively, whereas the tube-resistor combinations 206226 and 2 I 6229.

In operation of the mechanism shown in ure 10, if the register marks II1 shift to the left- (Figure 6e), the light received by the cell I21 is decreased and the light received by the cell I26 is increased and the grids 223 of the tubes 2I1 and H6 become more negative and less negative respectively. This double effect decreases the current through the solenoid I11 of the spreader roller I34 and thus decreases the pull on the left side of the Web. If the register mark II1 shifts to the right, the light received by the cell I21 is increased and the light received by the cell I26 is decreased (FigureBf), and the gridsofthe equalized'and the contactor I 32 will-stop the 11 2.0 3

The solenoids 205-and 2 I5, as hereinbefore described, are in parallel with the solenoids 208 and 2I8 respectively, andact as interlocks to insure that all four switches 2II, 2I2, 22I and 222 are not closed at;the same time when the four light sensitive cells I22, I23, I26and I21 view the un-- printed web between marks. It'will be understood that energizing the solenoids 205 and 2I5 will prevent the closingof switches22l and 2' respectively, even though the solenoids 2I8 and 208 are energized sufficiently to close them. If the whole webshifts to the left, the current flowing in' solenoid- 205 will decrease during the period when the register marks are being viewed by the lightsensitive cells, and the solenoid 2 I8 will be able to close the switch 22I as hereinbefore described, and if the web W shifts to the right, the current flowing in the solenoid 2I5 will be decreased and thus will not interfere with the closing of the switch 2I I by the solenoid 208.

When the Wholeweb W shifts to the right or left (Figure 61) or 60) the web spreader rollers I33 and [34 will also be affected. Consideration of Figure 1 0 will show that a shift of the whole web to the left will slightly decrease the pull of the left spreader roller I34 and slightly increase the pull of the right roller I33. In like manner a shift of the whole web to the right will decrease the pull ofthe right roller I33 and increase the pull of the roller I34. Thus the register and web control mechanisms operate-together to maintain proper register.

From the foregoing it is apparent that if the web W while passing through the printing machine shrinks or stretches longitudinally or transversely the web control mechanism dis-, closed will function to so shift or stretch the webfthat the printing of the several cylinders will be in accurate register.

I Figures 11' and 12 show the invention as applied to a multi-color intaglio web printin machine, the arrangement being similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 5 respectively. Printing units 25I, 252, 253, and 254, located in aline, are arranged to print the web W by consecutively printing a plurality of colors ,as .for example.

aseacor I pression cylinder 25?. The impression cylinder i engaged by speed rollers 258 which reinforce it against movement away from the form cylinder during the printing operation.

A plurality of Web guide rollers 259 are provided-to guide the web W from the web supply mechanism E6 to the printing units not shown, and rollers 2% guide the web from these units to the unit 251. After the web W is printed by the unit 525i it is guided from printing unit to printing unit-by aplurality of rollers 26!, operably supported in a webdrying device 252 of conventional construction. After the web leaves the web drying device it is guided by rollers 263 to the next printin unit orto the propelling rollers 26 and folder28.

Figures 11 and 12 disclose a heater equipped multicolor intaglio printing machine, the arrarigement being very similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 5 respectively. The web supply mechanism i6, although-not fully illustrated-in Figure 11, has a web tensioning mechanism 32 that may be the same as that shown in Figure 1. The yellow printing unit-25l prints a succession of register mark 58 on one side of the web W and a scanning head' '59 views the register marks as the web enters each orthe blue, red and black printing units 252, -253'and 254. Each blue, red and black printing cylinder 256, although not shown, is understood to be equipped with a slotted scanning ring, a lamp and a light sensitive cell of construction similar to that shown for rings 64, lamp 6? and light sensitive cell 68 shown in Figure 1. Each of the blue, red and black printing cylinders is preferably equipped with a registering mechanism which, as shown includes an adjustable drive gear 69 with an operating motor 'H. As an alternative to such drive mechanism, a compensating roller of well known type and a motor for operating it may be used. The scanning device 8! is focused to view the register marks 58 at the-point 86 and cooperates with the propelling roller 25, panel'BQ and discs 88 and 89 to maintain a constant length of web between the points 86 and 81 in the manner hereinbefore described.

The yellow printing unit 25! also prints the series of register marks H6 and H1 in the right and left hand margins of the web W (Figure 12), and the blue, red, and black printing unit each have the right and left scanning head H8 and H9 and the right and left spreader roller I33 and I34 cooperating with the-control panel ISI for adjusting the printing cylinder circumferentially, or axially, or stretching or allowing the web to contract in order to provide register and web control for the web as it changes size due to absorption or expulsion of moisture.

The transverse web control mechanism for the intaglio printing machine shown in Figure 12 differs from that shown in Figure 5 in that manually operated spreader rollers are not used to stretch the web W before it is printed by the yellow printing unit 25!. The 'web W, as it passes through the 'intag'lio printing machine 12 substantially the same as the operation of the devices hereinbefore described.

Many variations in the above described mechanism can be made Without departing f-rom the spirit of the invention as defined by-the appended claims. For example, instead of shifting the printing cylinder transversely to follow variations in the printed web, the web canbeshifted by means of well known tilting rollers. Also, instead or" operating the web spreaders l'33-and I34 as hereinafter described, wherein either spreader may pull'or relax its side of the web, or wherein both mayoperate together to pull'or relax both sides of the web;-both web spreaders can be-made to increase-or decrease the side pull simultaneously, so that if either or both sides'of the web move inwardly, the pull of both spreaders will increase, and if either-"or-both sides of the web move out-wardly, the'pullof both spreaders will be relaxed. This operation may cause the printin to be slightly out of-register. 'l-Iowever, anymis-register will immediately be *corrected byshiftin of the printing-cylinders orbyshifting of the web. 7

'It will also be understood *that' the register marks can be variously printed. For example, instead of controlling the transverse movement of the cylinder from the double register-marks H5 and Ill, a single register mark'printedin the center of the webmay be-used. Thus-the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing'from'the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the presentembodiments be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the claims ratherthan to theforegoing descriptionfor an indication of the scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. In a multi-colorweb fed 'printingmachine comprising-a web feeding mechanism having a web tensioning mechanism, a plurality of individual printing units for successively-printing a plurality of colors on the Web, the first printing unit being arrange'd to print asuccession of register marks, and a web'propelling roller arranged to receive and forward the web after ithas'been printed by the otherprinting-units; mechanism timed with the register marksatthe-first printing unit, a light-sensitive'c ell for viewing the register marks on'the web at a point between the last printing unit andthe web'propelling roller, and means actuated bythe light'sensitive cell for controlling the web tensioning mechanism and the web propelling roller thesaidmeans being arranged to increase the tension "exerted on the Web by the tensioning mechanism and web'propelling roller when the register marks are delayed in reaching the point viewed by the light sensitive cell and decreasing the'tension when the register marks reach this point prematurely;

ing unit, a light sensitive cell for viewing the register marks on the web at a point between the last printing unit andthe web propelling roller,

and a means. for controlling-v the web tensioning mechanism the said means being arranged to increase the tension exerted on the web by the tensioning mechanism and web propelling roller when the register marks. areJdeIayed in reaching the point viewed, by the light; sensitive cell and decreasing the tension when the register marks and a register mark thenpassing the said light .sensitive cell.

3. In a multi-color web fed printing machine comprising a web feeding mechanism having a web tensioning mechanism, a plurality of individual printing units for successively printing a plurality of colors on a web, the first printing unit jbeing'arrangedto print a succession of register marks, and web propelling rollers arranged to receive and forward the web after it has been printed by the other printing units; mechanism timed with the register marks at the first printing unit, a light sensitive cell for viewing the register marks on the web at a point between the last printing unit and the web propelling rollers, and means for controlling the web propelling rollers the said means being arranged to increase the tension exerted on the web by the tensioning mechanism and web propelling roller when the register marks are delayed in reaching the point viewed by the light sensitive cell and decreasing the tension when the register marks reach this point prematurely, whereby a constant length of web will be maintained between each register mark passing the timed mechanism and a register mark then passing the said light sensitive cell.

4. In a multi-color web fed printing machine comprising a web feeding mechanism having a web tensioning means, a plurality of individual printing units having form cylinders and printing cylinders for successively printing impressions in a plurality of colors on both sides of a Web, the first printing unit being arranged to print a succession of register marks on both lateral edges of the web, and web propelling rollers arranged to forward the web after it has received the last impression; a timing mechanism timed with the printing of the register marks, first light sensitive cells located on each lateral edge of the web for viewing the register marks printed thereon and a mechanism controlled by each of the said cells and arranged to circumferentially adjust one of the cylinders to correct register, and a second light sensitive cell located at a point between the last printing unit and the Web propelling roller and arrangedfor controlling the Web tensioning mechanism and the web forwarding rollers, whereby a constant length of web will be maintained between each registermark passing the first impression cylinder and a register mark then passing the point viewed by the second light sensitive cell, and the printing cylinders will be adjusted so as to maintain correct register. 7

5. In a multi-color web fed printing machine comprising a plurality of individual printing units for successively printing a plurality of colors on a web, a first printing unit arranged to print a succession of paired register marks, one, being located near each edge of the running web, a first pair of light sensitive devices for simul- :taneously viewing the paired register marks, a

first pair of web spreader 'rollers under the control of the light sensitive devices, a second pair of light sensitive devices, and a second pair of web spreader rollers under the control of the second light sensitive devices, another printing unit between the first and second pairs of light sensitive devices and web spreader rollers, the second pair of web spreading devices being arranged to produce adifferent degree of tension on the web than is produced by thev first pair of spreader lOllBlSyfiIld each pair of light sensitive devices being arranged to operate the web spreading devices controlled by it to maintain a constant widthwise spacing between the pair of register marks.

6. In a multi-color web fed lithographic printing machine comprising a plurality of individual printing units having form and printing cylinders for successively printing a plurality of colors on the web, a plurality of manually operated web spreading devices arranged to spread the web before it is printed by the first printing unit, a

- plurality of electrically operated web spreading devices arranged between the printing units to control the web before it is printed by each of the successive printing units, and photocell .control mechanism for the electrically operated web spreading devices including means between the printing units for scanning register marks near the edges of the web.

7. In a multi-color web fed printing machine having a plurality of printing units each equipped with a printing cylinder for printing a plurality of colors on aweb, a light sensitive device for viewing one side of a first register mark printed on the web, a second light sensitive device for viewing the other side of the first register mark, a third light sensitive device for viewing one side of a second register mark printed on the web, a fourth light sensitive device for viewing the other side of the second register mark, a web spreader device under control of the first and second light sensitivedevices, a second web spreader device under control of the third and fourth light sensitive devices, and means under control of the four light sensitive devices for adjusting the printing cylinder axially.

8. In a multi-color web fed printing machine comprising a plurality of individual printing units having cylinders for successively printing a plurality of colors on the web, aplurality of web spreading devices for controlling the transverse dimensions of the web, a means for correcting longitudinal misregister and including means for varying the longitudinal tension on the web between the printing units, a light sensitive scanning device positioned for reading register marks on the web, and a control mechanism responsive tudinal and transverse dimensions of the web,

a control mechanism for the last said means ineluding light sensitive devices 'po'sitidned for reading register'marks en the web and operating the said means to maintain a constant width of web between theregister'marks.

WILLIAM F. HUCK.

REFERENCES CITED v The following-references.aie (if re'drfi in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,677,472 Fuchs 1 July 17, 1928 2,041,602 Grozier 1 May 19, 1936 2,075,111 Gulliksen et a1. Mar. 30,1937 2,081,654 Wohlrabe May 25, 1937 Number Number 15 462,420

Country Date Great Britain Mar. 10, 1937 

